Hi there - we are going to Shanghai, and using frequent guest miles to stay at a Sheraton. Should we stay in Daning or Pudong? We will be exploring the city on our own for three days. we are in our 30's, love good food, museums and want to see the "real" Shanghai - old neighborhoods, etc.

The Four Points Daning is at the Univesity of Shanghai area, about 3.5 miles north of city center. From the hotel's website, it seems to be close to the "Shanghai Circus World" subway station for Line 1. That's 6 stops north of Renmin Square. To go to the Bund, you'll switch lines there and take Line 2 for one more stop.

The Sheraton Pudong is a more southern part of Pudong, about 2 miles south of the main part of Lujaizui. It should been served by subway line 4, the new circle line, but a major construction collapse in 2003 means that section is still not opened.

I am no expert on Shanghai, but neither is particularly convenient. The Pudong one is brand new and should be nicer, but its location is particularly poor, in my opinion.

For what you want to see/do, stay at the Danning location, cabs are inexpensive for you to get around and you can walk/explore the area at night.

As far as being tourists are concerned, both places are out of the way. Therefore it's important that you pick the place that's close to a subway station. So Four Points by Sheraton in Daning is your only choice. I believe this property was opened in the spring of 2007.

bobbie:

Having been to Shanghai twice (1984, 2007), I would highly recommend staying where the main action is...along Nanjing Lu (both east and west ...)... you'll find the upscale Radisson, the more expensive Le Meridien ($250 up), The Sofitel (around $200) and The Ramada Plaza (below $150). We chose the Ramada and were very satisfied with it, especially the location. Nanjing is primarily pedestrian all the way from the Meridien to the Bund. I would not suggest placing yourselves too far off.

From this part of town you can also easily get to the Shanghai Museums, the interesting French Concession..long walk or short taxi ride (ridiculously cheap)

Stu T. (EKSCRUNCHY...agree?)

I agree..I would NOT stay in Pudong and I am not familiar with Daning. The Le Royal Meridien on Nanjing Lu ranks with the best hotels I have ever stayed in..they were charging about 220 USD per night last spring, with BB.

Bobbi and EKSCRUNCHY:


After seeing the unique Meridien when you were there, EK, I recommended it to some friends last month and they got a double for $264 (for February).

Stu

After our last work trip some of my colleagues stayed in Pudong and itjust seemed a pain as all the happenings were on our side of the river. They wished they had stayed closer to us. I agree its easy to get around from Nanjing road (I stay West for work)

Wow! Thanks for all the replies! We are staying at the Sheraton because I have free nights there - looks like Danning is the way to go!